Wednesday, September 19, 2012

I am considering closing this blog. As you have probably noticed, I haven't posted anything in ages, and there are probably two reasons for this. I am finding it difficult to find time to blog about this topic (or maybe I have lost interest). The other reason is that the availability of GF foods keeps expanding. I see it everywhere. Today, I noticed a sandwich-board sign on College Street advertising gluten-free muffins. Personally, I have never really had that much difficulty in obtaining GF food at most restaurants, and the staff seem more and more aware of the issue.
So, if anyone would like to volunteer to administer the bog, I will gladly hand it over. If no one is up for that, I will turn out the lights, but leave posts here for whatever historical content people might wish to look at.
Let me know.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Silver Hills is thrilled to offer two breads in the gluten-free variety—Chia Chia and Mack’s Flax. But if someone asked us what we enjoy more – baking delicious, wholesome breads or talking to our customers – we wouldn’t be able to choose. We enjoy talking to our community of bread lovers. Please visit us at our Outlet Store to learn more about our company, products or our healthy living philosophy or to purchase our very freshest gluten-free bread!

****Gluten Free Chia Chia****Known as the “running food”, Chia seeds were a staple for ancient Aztecs and Mayan warriors. Chia Chia bread is a tasty way to go the ‘extra mile’. Our organic Sorghum Chia breads are a unique blend of whole grain Sorghum and Chia seeds with exceptional taste and all of the nutrition of whole grains. Each slice has 6g of fiber, 1g of fat & 80 calories.

****Gluten Free Mack's Flax****Mack loves a leisurely pedal around the park and he knows that the healthy benefits of his bread will help to keep him rolling. Rich in omega 3 (2g), fiber (6g) and protein (3g) , Gluten-Free Mack’s Flax bread is a delicious choice for keeping you going. 90 calories per slice.

Friday, November 04, 2011

Hi all!

Chef Amy from Say-She-Ate here.

I'm running some fantastic Gluten Free Cooking Classes that I thought you all might like to know about. There are still a few spots this Tuesday November 8th, for those new to Gluten Free living, in our "Going Gluten Free" cooking demonstration, tastings and chat with a Naturopathic Doctor about all the benefits of Gluten Free living. Gluten Free Pizza, Tasty Homemade Pad Thai, Working with Quinoa and Yummy Baking too. Also, our Gluten Free Gourmet Cooking Class series is hands-on and great for those with more experience and especially for a fantastic gluten free holiday season. Here is the link to my group cooking classes: CLICK HERE FOR GLUTEN FREE COOKING CLASSES

Call 416-727-0457 or email me amy@saysheate.com to book your spot, as space is limited. Special discount if you mention this blog.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

NEW GF STORE IN MONTREAL A REAL PEARL!*

Louise Pearl's new grocerybakery-kitchen in Dorval is certainly targeting a niche market: people on gluten-free diets. As a food-industry consultant who also is head of the Quebec chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association, Pearl said this background made it a natural for her to open Louise Sans Gluten Free, on Dumont St. just west of the Fénelon Blvd.-Highway 20 interchange. Her goal is to offer people with celiac disease a one-stop place to shop for gluten-free foods, from freshly baked breads and desserts and candy to packaged goods like pasta and soy sauce. "Those of us who have to eat gluten-free, normally our shopping methods require going to many, many stores to find the things we need. There's a little bit in lot of different places," she said. "You can find gluten-free foods in health food stores, a bit in some grocery stores. For normal people what is a trip to the grocery store, can for us be a trip to four, five or six stores."

*Reprinted with permission of the author Albert Kramberger of The Gazette. For complete article, please see http://westislandgazette.com/news/26027

Monday, October 10, 2011

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am hosting a gluten free Asian Style Cooking Class with natural chef and holistic nutritionist Marni Wasserman. It is on Wednesday October 19, 2011, 6:30pm to 9:30pm in Marni's commercial style kitchen in midtown Toronto. The menu will include miso soup, brown rice nori rolls, tempeh stir fry with rice noodles, napa cabbage salad, edamame dip with brown rice crackers, and chocolate + green tea bliss balls. The price for the class is $95.Space is limited to 10 people per class because it is hands-on. We cook together, eat what we make, and take home wonderful recipes and valuable information on eating and living a healthy lifestyle!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

NEW MENU @ THE MONARCH TAVERN

Hi all,

Just wanted to let you know that The Monarch Tavern--one of Toronto's oldest drinking establishments--has implemented a new menu featuring lots of gluten free options. All our gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers are available gluten free. We use fresh, wholesome ingredients, and a wide variety of local and imported artisanal cheeses. We also make a delicious poutine with real cheese curds and a vegetarian gluten free gravy made from scratch. Best of all, we also serve two kinds of gluten free beer!

The Monarch Tavern is tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood between the thriving Dundas West and College Street strips. The kitchen is currently open for dinner only, but will soon be open for lunch on weekdays and Sunday brunch as well.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

NEW GLUTEN-FREE CAFE AND SHOP - cafe booboo

Hi Everyone,

I have opened a small gluten-free takeout cafe and shop in downtown Toronto (Fashion District) called cafe booboo. It is located on 533 Richmond St. West, Unit 203 (Richmond St. West and Portland St. ), where the entrance to the cafe is on Portland St and is on the ground floor. The cafe/shop sells baked goods, lunch items, beverages, snacks/candy and packaged goods - all in a gluten-free environment. In the near future, I will be serving soups and congee as part of the lunch menu.

Please check out my website for a map (location), hours and tentative menu.

Friday, August 05, 2011

Places to Stay in Toronto

Hi everyone. Sandra is looking for information on hotels or a family vacation condo in Toronto that are either gluten friendly or a with a kitchen. If anyone can help her, please leave a comment. Thanks.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Hello Everyone

In case anyone is looking for a gluten free store, I just opened my own store on Kingston Rd and Midland. After shopping at 4 or 5 different store in the city to find everything I needed for my Celiac diet, I finally broke down and decided to open up my own store which specializes in Gluten Free foods. We also carry Lactose Free and Vegan products. We are located at 2351B Kingston Rd in Scarborough. Annick's Gluten Free Market. Drop by on Grand opening day April 29th 2011 for Free samples of our many products. We also have cook books for gluten free recipes, education information on Celiac, Gluten intolerance and a whole lot of information in general. Our motto is "If we don't have something you would like, let us know and we will try getting it in the store"

We are also thinking of carrying gluten free deli meats in the near future if there is a demand for it.

So let us know if you would like us to bring it in the store.

We have a lot of good foods including snacks and desserts. Drop by and visit us.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Just wanted to let everyone know that even though Lemongrass advertises a gluten free menu they are very irresponsible. I have eaten there on 3 occasions. The 2nd occasion i felt ill but was unsure of what it could be. The 3rd occasion i had a conversation with the server who told me that they do not use dedicated fryers for the food. In fact, she said it wasn't necessary because they use high heat to kill the gluten in foods. So i need not worry. If i was very sensitive perhaps i should not eat those items. Well that is not gluten free is it? Not only is there cross contamination going on the staff believe that high heat kills gluten. If gluten free was only that easy!! I have emailed them to inform them otherwise but they ignored my messages. Please beware of LEMONGRASS!

A cookbook for the celiac who has mastered the basics (meat and potatoes) but miss "bread" like items and desserts. All recipes are super easy, use starches in lieu of non-wheat based flours and turn out amazing. I have served many items from here to my non-celiac friends and they can't tell the difference. The chocolate cake is delicious!

Saturday, January 08, 2011

Hi everyone, I'm looking for gluten free bread recipes on the internet and unless I subscribe to a magazine or buy a cookbook I can't find anything. Does anyone know where I can find the recipes for free???

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Hi everybody,

I just started working downtown last month at Richmond St. W & York St. I'm wondering if anyone knows good affordable places to eat lunch that would have selections for Celiacs and non-Celiacs. And easy to walk to.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

First Annual Best of Gluten-Free Awards

Triumph Dining is launching its first-annual Best of Gluten-Free Awards. You can vote for your favourite gluten-free products and sign up for the newsletter. Triumph Dining is giving away a free five pack of dining cards, but these are only available for US addresses, so you are out-of-luck on that one.

"The Best of Gluten-Free Awards consist of 43 different categories like “Best Gluten-Free Bread Mix” and “Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie.” Winners will be announced in early 2011."

Thursday, October 07, 2010

It's that time of year again! Know anyone looking for a funky room in a gluten free house?

I am currently looking for a roommate for my fantastic apartment. Stay in the hippest hood (little Italy/Ossington) in TO, nestled between the gallery district & little Italy. This awesome 2bdrm furnished treehouse, with a loft, deck, jacuzzi, dishwasher, w/d is looking for a green (vegetarian/gluten free) roomie for March/April 1 2012 Please email me at sanecleanfreakwanted4roomie-at-gmail-dot -com tell me you found me at gluten free pages toronto and that you want a copy of the ad sent to you.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Burger Bar Gluten-Free Beer Tasting

I just got this message from Brock at the Burger Bar and am passing it along:

"I just wanted to let you know that we will be doing a Gluten Free beer tasting during Toronto Beer Week on Thursday Sept. 23 at 7pm. The event will be hosted by Nickle Brook Brewery who have just released their GF Beer, as well we will be tasting New Grist and La Messagère. We offer a GF bun for our burgers, as well we will be introducing our new menu item burger tacos!"

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Hey all!

I just found out about a good looking burger place in Kensington Market called Burger Bar. Their menu isn't entirely gluten-free, but they offer gluten-free buns for the burgers, and some great sounding appetizers. Here's their website, which shows the GF items on the menu: http://www.theburgerbar.ca/

Also, there's a 50% off deal available online for anyone who wants to try it cheaper. You can buy the coupons here: http://bit.ly/blJ09Q

I'll be checking it out next week and will let you all know how it is.

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

I wanted to let everyone know about a great, celiac-friendly gelato place. It is called Il Gelatiere, on Mount Pleasant just south of Eglinton. The staff seem to be very knowledgeable about celiac disease. Once he found out I have celiac disease the person who served me washed his hands before touching my cone (they have gluten-free cones), got a fresh scooper, and took some gelato from the middle area (rather than at the edge where they'd been filling the gluten-containing cones). He also warned me about the flavours at the edges since they sometimes contain crumbs from the gluten cones that fall in from where they store the cones. I was so impressed!

And, the gelato is amazing! Most flavours are gluten-free, and many are also dairy-free.

On a side note, I've also visited the Kensington Cornerstone Cafe recently. The food was excellent. The whole menu is gluten-free.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Posted for Serena

Hope you are all enjoying the amazingly hot weather! I am in a bit of a pickle - I am looking for a new GP but wanted to find one that is celiac friendly and was wondering if you guys had any suggestions?

Here's my story (and it may be familiar to many of you) in short form:

- over 10 years of various maladies from anaemia, to depression, to mysterious fatty liver and swollen spleen, to rashes and what I thought was adult acne, to bloating and abdominal pain etc. - last year a professor at school saw me and recommended me to her naturopath who put me on a gluten free diet (the professor has people in her family who are celiac) - I lost 20 pounds in 1 1/2 months, my skin cleared up mostly, my migraines subsided (from one per day to two since last May!), my fatty liver disappeared, my bloating etc. have improved drastically. - Not on a 100% gluten free diet, but am investigating - Lost all confidence in my doctor - possibly because she hasn't thought of celiac, possibly because the only thing they tested for was cancer, and when it was found out not to be told me not to worry, maybe I just have IBS. I now have the impression she thinks I'm hypochondriac. - Really really want to sort out what is going on with me, just so I know how to deal with it appropriately!!

Please please if you have a good doctor that is open minded about celiac disease and gluten intolerance, please send me the reference! You can reach me at smmahabir@gmail.com (please put GP reference from blog in the title) - would love to hear from you!!! And would love to get this dealt with asap!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Request for Feedback

I am posting this on behalf of Anastasia MacLean:

Like many of you, I can't have gluten and yet I have a hard time finding gluten-free products that are tasty, nutritious and moderately priced. So, I'm developing a gluten-free food product— a non-perishable, 4-in-1 baking mix made from whole grains, nuts, seeds and dried fruit.

I need to chat for about 15 minutes by phone (at my expense) with people who buy gluten-free products to see if I'm on the right track with my product idea. If you're willing to speak with me, please either email me at: anamaclean2002@yahoo.ca or call me directly at: (416) 792-8693. All opinions and feedback will be held in the strictest confidence.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Kensington Cornerstone Restaurant

Hi everyone,I recently received an email from the owner of this new restaurant, who says: "To the best of my knowledge, we are the only entirely gluten-free restaurant in Toronto." I have no financial interest in this restaurant, and am just passing this along.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Just discovered a new gluten-free bakery in Oakville. It's been open 5 months and apparently not done any advertising yet - I stumbled upon it by accident this morning! It's a small bakery with only a couple of kinds of bread made every day plus a range of sweet treats. I bought some multi-grain bread today and had a delicious sandwich for lunch - I'd definitely buy it again. I may also be going back on Friday as this seems to be the day they make pizza crusts and I still haven't found any pizza that I like (any suggestions anyone?)

Friday, January 01, 2010

Approximately 7 months a rash appeared on my back. It appears to be related to me being celiac, the medical term for the rash is Dermatitis Herpetiformis (from what I can gather from the internet). Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an autoimmune blistering skin disease associated withcoeliac diseasehttp://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40001007/

I was diagnosed as celiac approximately 11 or 12 years ago and never have I had a rash. I am on a strict gluten-free diet (my wife cooks & bakes most of our food).

This rash is very itchy and has a burning sensation. I sometimes scratch until it bleeds. The rash is itchy/burning most of the time but there are times that I hardly notice. My doctors (GP & Homeopathic) had not seen a rash like this before. I am trying to treat this rash naturally but have not had much success with Homepathic remedies.

Antobiotic "Dapsone" is first choice for medical treatment, and reduces the itch within a day or two. Cautions and blood monitoring requirements should be noted. This drug is given to people with leprosy and seems to have bad side affects!!

Has anyone had success treating Dermatitis Herpetiformis ?Is there a website out there that can help me?